Since Smarty is currently interested in staying local (as in California) for college, I was looking into so-called A-G graduation requirements for California public universities. This site also allows anyone to check which courses are officially offered by any high school and how they map to A-G requirements.
Suddenly I was having "Oh sh*t!" moment - when I realized that the only area where Smarty still needs 4 years of study is English. She already has 1 out of suggested 3 years of foreign language, 3.5 years of high school math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and half of Precalculus), 1 year out of three required for high school science, and 1 year of "elective". So, in theory, she can spend her junior and senior years taking only English.
Also, according to this official site of registered AP classes, her school only offers one AP in science (AP chemistry). On their own website they advertise AP in each subject, so this is a bit confusing. There is a Calculus AB/BC AP, but no AP in Statistics, something that she is really interested in. There is also no APLAC (Language and Composition), which I think Smarty would want to have.
All that makes me wonder as to what is in store for Smarty for the years beyond 9th grade. It also makes me even more determined to convince her not to do double science next year - she has more than enough time to do any science her school might be able to offer. But it also made me realize that we will have to have a serious conversation with her school about her high school path next year before we sign up for 10th grade.

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comments:

Keep in mind those are minimum requirements. When I compare students who accelerated quickly (college at 14 or younger) with students who took the traditional path (took their time), I see a difference in the quality of their lives (time to mature, grow, experience, etc.). But every child is different. Some kids won't be happy unless they accelerate as much as they can. They are already so out of sync that they don't connect with kids of similar age so they don't have much other option than to accelerate several grades. There are challenges whichever choices they make.

Dual enrollment would be a good option. Keep in mind that she can accumulate enough credits this way to enter college as a transfer student. If you are not holding out for scholarships (mostly first year students) then she transfer credits so she can graduate college in two years which I’ve seen others do. Then she can hold out for scholarships for graduate school.

Yes, it looks like we would need to go dual enrollment route in grades 11 and 12. I just don't necessarily want to put her together with even older students, but... on the other hand, it might be a good test in preparation for going to college. Or perhaps she will want to go back to a public school and enjoy two years of lighter load with more extracurriculars. In any case, it's amazing that there are so many options available, I just wish I could have a crystal ball to know which one will result in a thriving and well-adjusted adult :)

FWIW she should be able to take AP tests without taking the classes - she just has to prep on her own. I took (and passed) 5 AP tests without ever taking an AP class.

Also, I really think she should try to get into Stanford. She's got a decent chance, in my opinion, especially if she can write a good essay. And maybe ease up on the classes to enjoy extracurriculars more.

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